Police cameras could help restore public trust

Your recent editorial, "Cameras on cops" (Sept. 16), highlights an innovative approach to crime fighting that I believe would help both citizens and law enforcement. Del. Frank Conaway's legislation would seemingly not only cut down on the number of citizen complaints of police misconduct, but would also protect hard-working officers trying their best to serve the interests of area residents.

This technology could possibly aid in determining questions of credibility where it becomes an officer's word against that of a given defendant, as any taped conversation or interaction that is recorded would substantiate the probable cause established to effectuate an arrest. It would have certainly been an effective tool that the citizens and the police department could have relied on in cases that have left doubt among the citizenry, such as in the cases of Anthony Anderson, Tavon West and the recent shooting in Douglass Homes.

One of the main platforms of my candidacy is to restore the public trust, not only within the office of the state's attorney, but also within the Baltimore City Police Department. I believe that this legislation would help further my case of accountability and transparency, keeping those on both sides of the camera honest.